The BLM's oil and gas drainage identification program

Conference · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA)

OSTI ID:6984604

Milliken, M ^[1]

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1. Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield, CA (USA)

The objective of the bureau of Land Management's (BLM) drainage program is to prevent loss of oil and gas by drainage from jurisdictional lands. When such loss is not prevented, the BLM must ensure that the federal and Indian lessors are fully compensated. These objectives may be met by several alternatives, including drilling a protective well, leasing unleased parcels with drainage stipulations, paying compensatory royalties, or entering into an agreement. Relinquishment of the lease is an extreme solution but is allowed by regulation. Detailed geologic and engineering studies result in technical review, showing whether drainage is or has occurred. The authors then notify the lessee and allow them to submit data showing drainage is not occurring. If they concur, the case is closed. If they still believe drainage is occurring or the lessee does not respond, a decision letter is sent. The decision letter may be reviewed by the BLM state director for technical and procedural quality assurance. If the decision is upheld, the lessee may appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA). The lessee must submit a statement of reasons, clearly outlining his objections to the bureau's decision. The BLM technical staff must answer the statement or request that the case be remanded from IBLA. Posters illustrate a typical case study, illustrating the discovery of drainage, geology and engineering reports, the decision letter, state director review, and IBLA appeal.

• OSTI ID: 6984604
• Report Number(s): CONF-900605--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (USA) Journal Volume: 74:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
CRIME
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
THEFT
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS